Improvement in envelopes



W. H. CAMPBELL.

' Envelope.

No. 212,187 Patented Feb. 11,1879.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

TVILLIAM H. CAMPBELL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN ENVELOPES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N0. 212,187, dated February 11, 1879 application filed December 6, 1878.

a specification:

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my improved envelope expanded to receive detachable partitions. Fig. 2 is the blank from which my envelope is made. Figs. 3 and 4 are detail views of the removable partitions, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the device shown arranged for use as an envelope.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

This invention is intended to provide for general use an improved envelope-blank, which is so constructed that it may be changed, as required, from an envelope to a box for carrying small articles, and vice versa. The envelope is specially adapted for the reception of a greater number of papers, serving as a paper-tile, and also for mailing purposes, it being, after its arrival, capable of convenient use as a file or box.

Referring to the drawings, A represents a blank, which is cut out of a continuous sheet of paper of the shape shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The middle longitudinal portion of the blank is formed of four portions,a a a a, which make up the sides, top, and bot-tom of my improved combination envelope and box. The blank has at that end which forms the top of the device a gummed end flap, a, and gummed side flaps, b, which side flaps serve to close the envelope when the same is to be used permanently as such, and both side and end flaps when the envelope is desired to be sent by mail with papers inclosed. The portion a, which forms the bottom of the envelope and box, is also provided with extensions d,

' which are provided with side flaps, d, so as to be pasted to the side portions, (6 a and form therewith the box, as in Fig. 1,or the envelope, as in Fig. 5. These extensions (1, together with the bottom, are folded in the manner customary in bellows, pocketbooks, 860., so that the envelope may readily expand and admit the filing of a large number otpapers therein.

The envelope may be arranged with or without loose partitions B, which are slitted, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, so as to be conveniently inserted into the envelope, or be placed at right angles to each other, as shown in Fig. 1, so as to form the partitions of the box. When the envelope is to be used as a box the folding ends and bottom are entirely expanded, and the partitions either inserted or not, as desired, so that confectionery, oysters,

crackers, or samples of various articles can thus be carried therein. When these articles are placed in the box the same may be sealed by the side and end flaps of the top portion, a which is, in some cases, preferable, or by means of a rubber band, string, or tape, 0, which is applied to an eye of the end flap, as shown in Fig. 1.

The facility with which the envelope may be changed to a box, and vice versa, adapts the same for a large number of articles, and renders it useful for business purposes of all kinds.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent l. The blank A, for a combination envelope and box, made of a single piece of paper or other material, of a longitudinal center portion, a a a a with end and side flaps, a b I), and side extensions, d d d, as shown and described.

2. The envelope consisting of a sheet, A, having center portions, to a a to, end and side flaps, a b b, and side extensions, d (1, arranged, formed, and folded as set-forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention 1 have signed my name in presence of two witnesses. I

WILLIAM H. CAMPBELL.

Witnesses:

PAUL GOEPEL, CARL KARI. 

